Statement from Hospice of Midland

 How to protect yourself:
You can protect yourself from COVID-19 infection the same ways you protect against the common cold or seasonal flu:

• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
  • Before eating
  • When your hands are visibly soiled
  • After you have used the bathroom, been in public or blown your nose, coughed or sneezed
• Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol, if soap and water aren’t available.
• Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue, and throw your used tissues in the trash.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Put some distance between yourself and others, especially if:
• Someone near you is sick
• You are at a higher risk of serious illness
• Disinfect surfaces, buttons, handles, knobs, and other places touched often.

If you feel sick:
There are several things you should do if you are sick or think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, and have a fever or respiratory illness (cough or shortness of breath):

• Stay home if you are sick or believe you have been exposed to the virus, even if you aren’t showing any symptoms.
• Avoid public areas and transportation.
• Call your health care provider before coming into the doctor’s office or emergency department.
• Avoid coming to the emergency department, unless you have a health emergency and/or you have been advised by your health care provider to do so. This helps prevent the risk of spreading COVID-19 infection.
• Separate yourself from other people and animals as much as possible, while you are sick.
• Wear a face mask, if you are sick.
• Monitor yourself for fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
• Take the same precautions you would if you had the common cold or flu (e.g., wash your hands frequently).

**For more guidance, please visit the CDC Website on what to do if you are sick by clicking here.